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President,” Goodwin said, nodding to the others. “Ladies and gentlemen of the Cabinet. What a pleasant surprise.”
    â€œSaltern?”
    â€œFind out what he wants.”
    â€œWe have no time for his petty grievances.”
    â€œThe hell it is,” Saltern snapped. “Where have you been hiding, James? We’ve been trying to track you down for a week.”
    The sunken face of Dr. Jules Plumm flashed across Goodwin’s mind—the two of them sharing that precious bottle of Chequoisie on the now-fallen Citadel’s balcony.
    â€œAbroad,” Goodwin lied. “Attending to operations overseas.” Not even the President of Meridian was permitted to know about the existence of Mehk and the Foundry’s secret dealings there.
    â€œNo more evasions,” cut Saltern. “Explain yourself.”
    â€œPardon me?” Goodwin replied. He was not accustomed to being addressed in such a way, much less by this petulant man.
    â€œYou’re negotiating with the Trels,” Saltern interrupted. “Behind my back!”
    Goodwin considered the members of the Cabinet.
    â€œThat’s right,” Saltern continued. “I know all about your little deal with Lavaraud. What are you up to?”
    It took tremendous effort for Goodwin to keep his tone cordial. “Time was of the essence, Mr. President. You know that under normal circumstances, I much prefer to consult with you directly. But the Foundry saw an opportunity to undercut the Quorum’s hold, and we acted. Of course, we did so knowing it was your intent to seek a peaceful settlement to—”
    â€œNot by selling out to the enemy!” snarled the President.
    â€œWe are not selling,” Goodwin corrected. “We are buying.”
    â€œIf you think that silkbelly will be won over by your bribes, James, then you are a bona fide idiot.”
    â€œDo not presume to—” Goodwin began, his words sharp.
    â€œKeep your temper! We cannot afford to antagonize him.”
    â€œTell him whatever you have to. Just be rid of him.”
    â€œIf this gets out, there will be a feeding frenzy,” Saltern growled. “Prime Minister Kura of Moalao called my administration ‘a mob of sniveling piglets.’ I have an election in less than a year, James. The last thing I need is the Foundry undermining my authority with backroom deals!”
    Goodwin took a deep breath. “Mr. President, I was only—”
    â€œAnd just what do you think happens when the rats suspect we are weak? They come in a swarm. Well, it is my job to protect the people of Meridian.”
    â€œSir, I was pursuing a diplomatic solution on your behalf.”
    â€œYou’ll do nothing without my involvement, understand? Nothing. I am not, I repeat, NOT the Foundry’s puppet!”
    â€œDefuse the situation and leave.”
    Goodwin had suffered enough of little men shouting at him. But he resigned himself, relaxed the growing tension in his shoulders, and swallowed down his pride.
    â€œOn behalf of the Foundry, I apologize for circumventing your command, Mr. President,” said Goodwin, the epitome of calm. “The error was mine alone, and it will not happen again.”
    â€œLet’s hope not,” Saltern huffed, and his Cabinet looked on in approval. “Now is not the time to cozy up to these thugs. We need to put our foot down and stand tall, or this great nation will never be secure.” An advisor whispered something into the President’s ear. “Cancel your deal with Lavaraud.”
    It took all Goodwin’s willpower to not strike the man.
    â€œAnd put everything you promised him directly into Meridian’s defenses.”
    â€œI…” Goodwin assumed his friendliest expression. “Of course, Mr. President. I will submit it to the Board for approval.”
    â€œNo,” ordered Saltern. “If you can find the resources for those conniving Trels, then